ABOUT US
Jack's Life & Legacy
A life that still leads.
John F. "Jack" O'Neill
1939 – 2018
The Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity was founded to honor the life of Jack O’Neill, a man whose character, leadership, and love for golf left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Inspired by a life dedicated to service, leadership, and helping others succeed.
Honoring the Man Behind JONMC
A legacy of service and the game he loved.
Throughout his life, Jack remained committed to two enduring passions: serving his country and helping others through the game of golf. These were not separate chapters of his life, but parallel commitments that consistently reinforced his values of discipline, responsibility, and service to others. Whether in uniform or on the course, he approached every role with the same sense of purpose and integrity.
Today, that legacy continues through JONMC’s tournaments, scholarships, and junior golf programs, creating opportunities for young players across the Gulf Coast region. Each event and initiative reflects the principles Jack lived by—hard work, perseverance, respect for the game, and a belief that golf can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
Early Beginnings
Humble roots and a lifelong passion.
Born in Philadelphia in 1939, Jack grew up with strong values of discipline, hard work, and personal responsibility. From an early age, he knew he wanted to become a United States Marine, a goal that would shape the course of his life for nearly four decades.
Golf also became part of Jack’s story at a young age. At just 12 years old, he began caddying at a local golf course to earn extra money. What started as a job quickly became a lifelong passion. The game challenged him, rewarded discipline, and taught lessons that stayed with him throughout his life.
Over time, Jack developed into an accomplished player with a deep respect for the traditions and integrity of the game. Golf was never simply recreation to him. It was a lifelong pursuit built on patience, honesty, and self-improvement.
Service to Country
A 38-year career in the United States Marine Corps.
After graduating from high school, Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1956. His military career would span 38 years and include assignments across the United States and abroad.
Among his notable assignments was State Department duty at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy from 1958 to 1961. He later served in leadership roles supporting national initiatives, including work as the USMC National Coordinator for the Toys for Tots Program.
Jack retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, a reflection of his leadership, professionalism, and dedication to service. Those who knew him often described him as disciplined, dependable, and deeply committed to helping others.
Even during his military years, Jack’s concern for young people remained evident. His involvement with Toys for Tots reflected a belief that every child deserved encouragement, opportunity, and support.
Competition & Achievement
Excellence on the course.
While serving in the Marines and later working in industrial sales, Jack continued to pursue competitive golf at a high level. Over the course of more than six decades in the game, he competed in tournaments and club championships around the world.
Known as a gifted and accomplished player, Jack earned numerous victories throughout his career, including a First Place finish in the Japanese National Open. His success came not only from talent, but from relentless practice, discipline, and respect for the game itself.
Golf remained a constant throughout every chapter of his life. Whether traveling internationally for work or serving in the military, Jack continued to compete, improve, and deepen his understanding of the sport he loved.
A New Chapter in Diamondhead
Building a life around golf and community.
In 2000, Jack and his wife, Leslie, settled in Diamondhead, Mississippi. Following his retirement from military service, he spent several years working in industrial sales while remaining active in the local golf community.
By 2003, Jack shifted his focus toward teaching golf at Diamondhead Country Club. Teaching quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of his life. He enjoyed helping players of all ages improve their game, but junior golfers held a special place in his heart.
Jack believed golf could shape character just as much as skill. His lessons emphasized integrity, honesty, discipline, self-motivation, and respect—qualities he believed extended far beyond the course.
Students and families came to know him not only as an instructor, but as a mentor who genuinely cared about the people he taught.
A Historic Achievement
Becoming a PGA Professional at the age of 71.
Jack never stopped setting goals for himself. Determined to become a PGA Professional later in life, he worked tirelessly toward that objective while continuing to teach and mentor golfers in Diamondhead.
In 2011, at the age of 71, Jack achieved that goal by earning PGA Class A Professional status. At the time, he became the oldest person in PGA history to receive PGA certification.
The accomplishment reflected the qualities that defined his entire life: perseverance, discipline, humility, and the belief that improvement is always possible regardless of age.
For Jack, the milestone was never about personal recognition alone. It represented a commitment to learning, teaching, and giving back to the game that had shaped so much of his life.
A Teacher at Heart
Passing the game to the next generation of golfers.
Teaching became Jack’s true legacy within the golf community. He volunteered countless hours helping players learn and grow, sharing both technical instruction and life lessons along the way.
He believed golf was unique because it required players to hold themselves accountable. To Jack, the game encouraged honesty, patience, respect, and self-discipline in ways few other sports could.
Young golfers especially benefited from his encouragement and mentorship. He wanted every child to have the opportunity to experience the game, regardless of background or financial circumstances.
That belief became the foundation for what would eventually grow into the Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity.
Continuing the Mission
The legacy lives on through JONMC.
Jack passed away in Diamondhead on May 29, 2018, at the age of 78. In the years since, his family, friends, and community have continued the work and values that mattered most to him.
Established in his honor, the Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity exists to create opportunities for young golfers to learn, compete, and grow through the game.
Through events such as the Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Tournament and the Jack O’Neill Memorial Junior Golf Championship, JONMC has raised funds to support scholarships, junior golf programs, and collegiate opportunities throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Every tournament hosted and every young player supported reflects the spirit Jack brought to the game: competitive, generous, disciplined, and rooted in character. His values continue to guide how JONMC approaches each event.
A Lasting Influence
More than a golfer
Jack O’Neill believed golf could change lives. Not simply through competition, but through the values it teaches and the opportunities it creates.
His legacy also lives on in the long-term development of young golfers through scholarships, mentorship, and programs that help them grow as players and as people.
What began as a tribute to one man’s life has become an ongoing mission to ensure future generations have the opportunity to experience the game, develop confidence, and build character both on and off the course.
That is Jack’s legacy, and it continues to grow.
PRIMETIMEGOLF.NET PRESENTS
Basic Sand Play
With PGA Teaching Pro Jack O'Neill
CWO4 John Francis "Jack" O'Neill, USMC- Retired
1939 – 2018
July 15, 1939Jack's Birth
Jack was born to John F. and Marie Dennery O’Neill and grew up in Philadelphia, PA.July 17, 1956Enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve
Over the course of a 38-year career, he served in a range of roles at home and abroad, including an assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. He ultimately retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.November 2011Certified PGA Professional
Jack fulfilled a dream in November of 2011 by becoming a certified PGA professional. At age 72, he became the oldest PGA professional to earn his PGA card.May 29, 2018Jack's Death
Jack passed away in the arms of his loving wife. He was 78 years old.
